So things at work are going pretty good right now, we just finished up with our Summit on Human Dignity which was about food. We learned about the production, exploitation of labor and what is considered good food for us. We explored such questions about how food insecurity is a direct correlation to heath problems since people who are suffering in poverty are forced to eat cheaper pre-packaged foods high in fat, carbs, and sodium instead of the more expensive, fresher, healthier choices. We talked about the over-use of corn in our diets and how if there was ever to be a strain of disease or drought that affected corn it would be comparable to what happened with the Irish Potato Famine.
I am beginning to plan my summer immersion trip to Appalachia, week-long trip to the lovely state of West Virginia, possibly by way of a layover in Chi-town and landing in one of my favorite states: PA! I got to chaperone another lovely trip to Nogales and enjoyed my time spent in a hotel with cable television and no it was not productive. I stayed up until like 3am watching the Jersey Shore and Real World: Las Vegas. NOT PRODUCTIVE.
Last night I also went to the high school musical of Hairspray. It was really good and just made me all happy a reminiscent of my high school drama experience. I remember opening nights and all the crazy conversations backstage. Not to mention months of afterschool rehearsals hopped up on Coffee and Sugar. Oh High School theater, some of the best memories ever!! Thresher, my dear boy, dancing backstage, hiding oranges to avoid smashing, running around outside, costume-changes---Just to name a few!!!
In other news, we finally got a new house. This has also come with a whole new share of plumbing problems i.e. we have really crappy pipes. But the house it self is nice, it’s seems to have been newly remodeled so we have cool carpets, and a pretty big kitchen and have been getting some furniture off and on from random peeps. So it’s coming together. YeY!
So lately I have come to realize that Phoenix is one of the least sustainable cities, maybe ever. It is in the middle of the desert. Why is there a city in the middle of the desert? Where there is no water. Who had this brilliant idea? Water is not rationed, it’s just really expensive. Wealthier people can afford to have winter lawns, while low-income people can barely afford their water bills. It's built out, not up. So this city in the desert has the advantage of being able to spread far and wide. The city limits keep spreading farther and wider. The city of Phoenix itself probably takes over an hour to navigate, not because of traffic, but because the city is huge. The Valley area starts over at like 335th avenue or something like that which is almost an hour and half on the freeway.
Despite all this, and despite that fact that when I first moved here, I hated Phoenix, It was annoying, there was no city center, it was a 120 degree dry heat, there was no culture, and I thought there was no way that I could ever love Phoenix. But Lo and Behold, here we are in the middle of March and I love Phoenix. Somewhere along the way, it happened. I just can’t put my finger on it. It might have been the “winter” months. 60s and 70s everyday with no clouds ever, I was just in a good mood all the time!
So here we are with just over four months left, I love my job, and we all have our little quirks but absolutely love the members of my community, and now I love Phoenix too. This has another great experience and right now, I can’t even imagine trying to leave this all over again. The Phoenix shaped hole is my heart is starting to appear in addition the NY, Marywood, Camden and Chicago ones that already exist.
Damn You JVC and your ruined for life business
Friday, March 18, 2011
Thursday, February 10, 2011
New Year's.....only a month late
WoW! Blogging is alot harder than I though, especially since I can't seem to write more then one update every three months lately.
Well Christmas was amazing! I went home to see the friends and family. Christmas with the fam, Aunt Jackie's B-day the day after, The Nutcracker with some of the bestest, an east coast blizzard, and of course the epic New Year's Eve party, created two of the best weeks ever. Then it was back to the airport at 4am to fly back to sunny AZ.
I hoped out the plane at PHX, the taxi-man turned on the radio and a brittany song was on. I rolled up to my house gave him seven or eight, I looked at my back yard it was covered in water.
I opened the back door only to find the house covered in about three-inches of water and it raining from the ceiling. (Again JVC, really)
After a very stressful three hours, I was finally warm and dry at my suport person's house.
To make a VERY, VERY, VERY long story short a pipe bursted due to the deep freeze in Phoenix over New Year's weekend, our house was destroyed, we got kicked out, couch surfed for a few days, and were finally temporarly settled into apartments owned by on of our agencies. Kim is working with us to help find the JVs a new house, so we will see how that goes.
In the Midst of all this crazy house stuff, I was able to leave on a 4 day retreat called Kairos with a bunch of the seniors (around 40). It was definately a heart-warming and in some ways life changing expeirence. Watching the transformation of the boys that week and seeing them face their pasts and futures, inspired me, and gave me hope for my own life. They are all truly amazing individuals that I am glad I was able to get to know. Also if you ever have the chance to watch about 20 teenage boys play mafia at 2am you definatly should, becuase it may have been one of the most entertaining things ever.
I was back at school for three days only to be wisked off on another trip this time to NorCal for a JVC retreat. I headed up to San Jose at 20,000 ft on a southwest flight and while most of the phoenix contingent headed up to SanFran for the night I remained in San Jose to spend the night with E Mawbs (i.e. one of the Chicago South Housies). It was great to see her. We talked for hours making rice and pot stickers (with salad of course)
I woke up the next morning, watched three episodes of the Jeresy Shore (Oh the joys of cable and life after JVC) and headed up to Aptos, CA to be RE-Re-Oriented by JVC. Thus marking 3/4 done with my JV expiernce. While there we did the whole speakers, mass, sharing thing. The casamates and I were able to get a break from work and remember why we wanted to do this in the first place. I also got really obsessed with euchre, and played for like seven hours in a row (undefeated too) the last night.
I returned only to be greated by another day out of the office, taking 13 boys to participate in the annual diocesean Catholic Schools Week mass, rally, and this year we also did a service project. I was able to play chauffer in a mini-bus and share some laughs. We were also able to see some famous speakers, like the Govener of AZ and the current Speaker of the House. I also became quote worthy. I said "Duh! What's the point of even having a car if you can't trick it out." I am told this is going to be appearing in the next edition of the school newspaper. Great lol.
The last big event was going home for SEARCH weekend, this past weekend. It was great seeing all the usual people and the parents. I feel good and ready for the next six months of JVC and whatever else comes my way from then on. Next weekend I'm going with a group of students to skid row in LA so that should be cool.
Well thats the basics of what happened. Hope to post something deeper soon lol.
Well Christmas was amazing! I went home to see the friends and family. Christmas with the fam, Aunt Jackie's B-day the day after, The Nutcracker with some of the bestest, an east coast blizzard, and of course the epic New Year's Eve party, created two of the best weeks ever. Then it was back to the airport at 4am to fly back to sunny AZ.
I hoped out the plane at PHX, the taxi-man turned on the radio and a brittany song was on. I rolled up to my house gave him seven or eight, I looked at my back yard it was covered in water.
I opened the back door only to find the house covered in about three-inches of water and it raining from the ceiling. (Again JVC, really)
After a very stressful three hours, I was finally warm and dry at my suport person's house.
To make a VERY, VERY, VERY long story short a pipe bursted due to the deep freeze in Phoenix over New Year's weekend, our house was destroyed, we got kicked out, couch surfed for a few days, and were finally temporarly settled into apartments owned by on of our agencies. Kim is working with us to help find the JVs a new house, so we will see how that goes.
In the Midst of all this crazy house stuff, I was able to leave on a 4 day retreat called Kairos with a bunch of the seniors (around 40). It was definately a heart-warming and in some ways life changing expeirence. Watching the transformation of the boys that week and seeing them face their pasts and futures, inspired me, and gave me hope for my own life. They are all truly amazing individuals that I am glad I was able to get to know. Also if you ever have the chance to watch about 20 teenage boys play mafia at 2am you definatly should, becuase it may have been one of the most entertaining things ever.
I was back at school for three days only to be wisked off on another trip this time to NorCal for a JVC retreat. I headed up to San Jose at 20,000 ft on a southwest flight and while most of the phoenix contingent headed up to SanFran for the night I remained in San Jose to spend the night with E Mawbs (i.e. one of the Chicago South Housies). It was great to see her. We talked for hours making rice and pot stickers (with salad of course)
I woke up the next morning, watched three episodes of the Jeresy Shore (Oh the joys of cable and life after JVC) and headed up to Aptos, CA to be RE-Re-Oriented by JVC. Thus marking 3/4 done with my JV expiernce. While there we did the whole speakers, mass, sharing thing. The casamates and I were able to get a break from work and remember why we wanted to do this in the first place. I also got really obsessed with euchre, and played for like seven hours in a row (undefeated too) the last night.
I returned only to be greated by another day out of the office, taking 13 boys to participate in the annual diocesean Catholic Schools Week mass, rally, and this year we also did a service project. I was able to play chauffer in a mini-bus and share some laughs. We were also able to see some famous speakers, like the Govener of AZ and the current Speaker of the House. I also became quote worthy. I said "Duh! What's the point of even having a car if you can't trick it out." I am told this is going to be appearing in the next edition of the school newspaper. Great lol.
The last big event was going home for SEARCH weekend, this past weekend. It was great seeing all the usual people and the parents. I feel good and ready for the next six months of JVC and whatever else comes my way from then on. Next weekend I'm going with a group of students to skid row in LA so that should be cool.
Well thats the basics of what happened. Hope to post something deeper soon lol.
Friday, December 10, 2010
It's not about me....
Now that you know the physical whats that have been occuring since we last met each other on these pages, its time to get deeper.
This past Weekend I had the opportunity to go on my second year retreat. It was in the embassy suites, right next to the beautiful LAX. Not exactly the most serene place for a retreat, but you do with what you can. Five of us from the Southwest and three from the Midwest.
I could not have been more thankful for this weekend that came when it did.
The time of year when all the simple living, soul serching, service, community living was just plain starting to burn me out. Here we are month 16 of living too many miles away from home to count, having to plan phone dates with people at home, and just plain wondering how much more JVC can I take. I had totally lost site of what I wanted to accomplish, and why I was doing this. I was struggling in Phoenix, with my spirituality, my community, to see the difference I was making with the students at work, why not eating meat was important, and it was driving me insane.
This weekend gave me a chance to process with others who knew what that feeling was like. We not only engaged in organized reflection activities, but also just had fun, enjoyed each others company, shared stories, and gave advice. We went to In-n-Out, lounged in the hot tub, made arts and crafts posters, and had a three hour convo that helped me gain persepective on this year, last year, and where I want to go from here.
I realize that I left a piece of myself in Chicago, with my former community, and the residents and staff of ABAM. I couldn't accept that before, and I felt guilty for it. Anytime I though about chicago, or the memories I made/good times I had I felt that I wasn't giving my all to community or I was living in the past. I've come to accept that this is okay. I was an experience that has shaped me, and my life, and I've also taken pieces of all of them on my journey now to Phoenix that I am now sharing with others.
Looking back I relize that my last year wasn't this glorified picture that I have painted it out to be. There were real struggles and it to, was hard everyday. There were fights at home, akward moments where I couldn't be myself, aggravating and tired moments at work that I was completely unqualified to handle, moments that I questioned what the heck am I doing this for, what am I actually accomplishing (i.e. rice week). But despite all the struggles it was an experience that I would never trade and have nothing but love for, much like this one. I am confident that come month 24 I will look upon this year with the same gratitude and love for the people of phoenix, my community, and my job.
With a little over a 1/4 of my JVC experience left to go I still have miles to go before I can say that I got that former status and have fullfilled all the goals that I had coming into JVC both 16 months and 4 months ago. I don't know if I will in the next 8 months either. But I will never know unless I start.
If we gotta start somewhere why not here
If we gotta start sometime why not now
If we gotta start somewhere I say here
If we gotta start sometime I say now
Through the fog there is hope in the distance
From Cathedrals to third world missions
Love will fall to the earth like a crashing wave
"Toby Mac"
The hardest part of this JVC business is to accept the fact that it's not about me. It's about everyone else. The people I live with, the friends I've made, the people I serve. It's about them. My committment to love and to serve and not to count the cost. It is only when I remeber that and apply it to life that my eyes will be opened and I will be "ruined for life"
This past Weekend I had the opportunity to go on my second year retreat. It was in the embassy suites, right next to the beautiful LAX. Not exactly the most serene place for a retreat, but you do with what you can. Five of us from the Southwest and three from the Midwest.
I could not have been more thankful for this weekend that came when it did.
The time of year when all the simple living, soul serching, service, community living was just plain starting to burn me out. Here we are month 16 of living too many miles away from home to count, having to plan phone dates with people at home, and just plain wondering how much more JVC can I take. I had totally lost site of what I wanted to accomplish, and why I was doing this. I was struggling in Phoenix, with my spirituality, my community, to see the difference I was making with the students at work, why not eating meat was important, and it was driving me insane.
This weekend gave me a chance to process with others who knew what that feeling was like. We not only engaged in organized reflection activities, but also just had fun, enjoyed each others company, shared stories, and gave advice. We went to In-n-Out, lounged in the hot tub, made arts and crafts posters, and had a three hour convo that helped me gain persepective on this year, last year, and where I want to go from here.
I realize that I left a piece of myself in Chicago, with my former community, and the residents and staff of ABAM. I couldn't accept that before, and I felt guilty for it. Anytime I though about chicago, or the memories I made/good times I had I felt that I wasn't giving my all to community or I was living in the past. I've come to accept that this is okay. I was an experience that has shaped me, and my life, and I've also taken pieces of all of them on my journey now to Phoenix that I am now sharing with others.
Looking back I relize that my last year wasn't this glorified picture that I have painted it out to be. There were real struggles and it to, was hard everyday. There were fights at home, akward moments where I couldn't be myself, aggravating and tired moments at work that I was completely unqualified to handle, moments that I questioned what the heck am I doing this for, what am I actually accomplishing (i.e. rice week). But despite all the struggles it was an experience that I would never trade and have nothing but love for, much like this one. I am confident that come month 24 I will look upon this year with the same gratitude and love for the people of phoenix, my community, and my job.
With a little over a 1/4 of my JVC experience left to go I still have miles to go before I can say that I got that former status and have fullfilled all the goals that I had coming into JVC both 16 months and 4 months ago. I don't know if I will in the next 8 months either. But I will never know unless I start.
If we gotta start somewhere why not here
If we gotta start sometime why not now
If we gotta start somewhere I say here
If we gotta start sometime I say now
Through the fog there is hope in the distance
From Cathedrals to third world missions
Love will fall to the earth like a crashing wave
"Toby Mac"
The hardest part of this JVC business is to accept the fact that it's not about me. It's about everyone else. The people I live with, the friends I've made, the people I serve. It's about them. My committment to love and to serve and not to count the cost. It is only when I remeber that and apply it to life that my eyes will be opened and I will be "ruined for life"
Thursday, December 9, 2010
1,000 Words or Less
Hello Friends,
So I am aware that I have fallen off the face of the blogging universe for about 2 months, but thats what no internet at home, an extremely busy work day, and lack of motivation will do to you. Well I am happy to say that I have found motivation again in the Holidays!
I honestly feel like I dont know where to pick up.
I guess I'll just hit the big ones.
Holloween:I had the pleasure of riding with my casamates to the wonderful land of San Diego to hang out with a bunch of JVs from the Southern Southwest Region. LA, San Diego, and the Phoenican Contingent were all there in full force. While here I learned of the new obsession young people have with a drink called Four Loco's. It is basically alcohol and caffine, and now banned in several states becuase people are having heart attacks upon consumption. Scary, and yet JV's will still keep drinking it because we have no money and it's cheap. Me, I had a sip and spit it back out. It tasted like purple diamatap, even tho the liquid was yellow. Despite this Four Loco's Craze it was great seeing some of the JV's that we haven't seen in a while. After the awkwardness of what's your name again's and where do live, It was nice to chat with people and make new friends. Later came a costume party where charlie brown and his pals, the ninga turtles, a JVC Program Coordinator and the cast of the Jesery Shore were all in full attendance.
Washington D.C. Trip:
So I got to be back on the East Coast for about 5 days and it was WONDERFUL! I spent five days staying in a hotel in a queen size bed all to myself and learning about the DC area and its connection to civil rights, learning about immigration, and the El Salavdorian Martyers, along with doing some site-seeing and seeing some awesome people! The best part: Dinner with my Mama, Aunt Debbie, UC, Vicki and Steve. Second Best Part: Lunch with Mateo and MaiMai! It was so good to be sorta home, seeing people that I love. I was so tired after the trip, but I came back rejuvinated in some awesome way!
While there We also had a private meeting with Senetor McCain about the issue of immigration. It didnt go as well as I had hoped but it was awesome to be in a private meeting with a US senetor and former presidential canidate.
Thanksgiving:Casa's BArt and Truth welcomed their homes to 40Jvs's from all around the southwest region. It was quiet an experience. The first community arrived at about 1am on Thanksgiving morning which communiies following suit until about 3am. I gave up and went to bed. Why? Well let's back track to how I chaporoned at trip to Mexico again that morning. We left school at like 4:30 am and returned at 11pm. I got back just in time to want to pass out but instead was greated by JVs who came for a weekend of food, drink, and friendship.
Thursday was awesome. Becky and I rode around Phoenix for hours doing last minute things for our big feast. The NoCal contingent arrived at about 8:30am awaking the house and allowing us all to prepare for the awesomeness that was to come. We all got dressed in our Thanksgiving best, decorated the table, open the wine, tapped the keg and induldgeed in as much food as we could hold. Then bought out the pie's and ate some more. Finally a trip to the dive bar of four Kings made the night complete. (Although, I spent a good hour that night trying to get lost people back to my house)
Black Friday was no complete without a treck to the local Christown Mall. Were I bought sweet sweatpants for just $5.00. After which we headed back to casa truth to take part in the Phoenix Thanksgiving tradition of Beer Olympics. Casa Truth became East and West Germany with the Berlin Wall to seperate them. We got through two events before the Keg was empty and the games were over, only to be replaced with a nightclub in our backyard. I didn't count but i believe we danced for like 6 hours. AWESOME!!!!
Saturday consisted of most people sitting in my living room, watching football, and getting polluted, but their was a different option. Harry Potter! On the Saturday of thanksgiving, I went to see HP7 for the 2nd time, a descsion I do not regret! getting their was quiet the experience. Before the movie I was hanging at Casa bart where we met a nice women named Michelle** (name has been changed). Michelle was a little intoxicated and decided she would join our football frisbee game, and then run away,and run back, run away, use the bathroom behind a low wall, then come back. When we all got in the van to head to the theater. She decided to sit on their front porch and wait for us to return. This resulted in me driving in circles, waiting for Matt and Scott to be ready to join us for the movie.
After the movie we proceeded to have a three hour conversation about the Potterverse! Time Well Spent! Another Trip to Four Kings, ended the Thanksgiving Shananagins.
On Sunday the guests left and we were left with a destroyed house to clean up. We finished a went to Taco Bell, then I read book 7 of Harry Potter. Again. Time.Well.Spent.
So that's all for now. I'll try to update again real soon!
So I am aware that I have fallen off the face of the blogging universe for about 2 months, but thats what no internet at home, an extremely busy work day, and lack of motivation will do to you. Well I am happy to say that I have found motivation again in the Holidays!
I honestly feel like I dont know where to pick up.
I guess I'll just hit the big ones.
Holloween:I had the pleasure of riding with my casamates to the wonderful land of San Diego to hang out with a bunch of JVs from the Southern Southwest Region. LA, San Diego, and the Phoenican Contingent were all there in full force. While here I learned of the new obsession young people have with a drink called Four Loco's. It is basically alcohol and caffine, and now banned in several states becuase people are having heart attacks upon consumption. Scary, and yet JV's will still keep drinking it because we have no money and it's cheap. Me, I had a sip and spit it back out. It tasted like purple diamatap, even tho the liquid was yellow. Despite this Four Loco's Craze it was great seeing some of the JV's that we haven't seen in a while. After the awkwardness of what's your name again's and where do live, It was nice to chat with people and make new friends. Later came a costume party where charlie brown and his pals, the ninga turtles, a JVC Program Coordinator and the cast of the Jesery Shore were all in full attendance.
Washington D.C. Trip:
So I got to be back on the East Coast for about 5 days and it was WONDERFUL! I spent five days staying in a hotel in a queen size bed all to myself and learning about the DC area and its connection to civil rights, learning about immigration, and the El Salavdorian Martyers, along with doing some site-seeing and seeing some awesome people! The best part: Dinner with my Mama, Aunt Debbie, UC, Vicki and Steve. Second Best Part: Lunch with Mateo and MaiMai! It was so good to be sorta home, seeing people that I love. I was so tired after the trip, but I came back rejuvinated in some awesome way!
While there We also had a private meeting with Senetor McCain about the issue of immigration. It didnt go as well as I had hoped but it was awesome to be in a private meeting with a US senetor and former presidential canidate.
Thanksgiving:Casa's BArt and Truth welcomed their homes to 40Jvs's from all around the southwest region. It was quiet an experience. The first community arrived at about 1am on Thanksgiving morning which communiies following suit until about 3am. I gave up and went to bed. Why? Well let's back track to how I chaporoned at trip to Mexico again that morning. We left school at like 4:30 am and returned at 11pm. I got back just in time to want to pass out but instead was greated by JVs who came for a weekend of food, drink, and friendship.
Thursday was awesome. Becky and I rode around Phoenix for hours doing last minute things for our big feast. The NoCal contingent arrived at about 8:30am awaking the house and allowing us all to prepare for the awesomeness that was to come. We all got dressed in our Thanksgiving best, decorated the table, open the wine, tapped the keg and induldgeed in as much food as we could hold. Then bought out the pie's and ate some more. Finally a trip to the dive bar of four Kings made the night complete. (Although, I spent a good hour that night trying to get lost people back to my house)
Black Friday was no complete without a treck to the local Christown Mall. Were I bought sweet sweatpants for just $5.00. After which we headed back to casa truth to take part in the Phoenix Thanksgiving tradition of Beer Olympics. Casa Truth became East and West Germany with the Berlin Wall to seperate them. We got through two events before the Keg was empty and the games were over, only to be replaced with a nightclub in our backyard. I didn't count but i believe we danced for like 6 hours. AWESOME!!!!
Saturday consisted of most people sitting in my living room, watching football, and getting polluted, but their was a different option. Harry Potter! On the Saturday of thanksgiving, I went to see HP7 for the 2nd time, a descsion I do not regret! getting their was quiet the experience. Before the movie I was hanging at Casa bart where we met a nice women named Michelle** (name has been changed). Michelle was a little intoxicated and decided she would join our football frisbee game, and then run away,and run back, run away, use the bathroom behind a low wall, then come back. When we all got in the van to head to the theater. She decided to sit on their front porch and wait for us to return. This resulted in me driving in circles, waiting for Matt and Scott to be ready to join us for the movie.
After the movie we proceeded to have a three hour conversation about the Potterverse! Time Well Spent! Another Trip to Four Kings, ended the Thanksgiving Shananagins.
On Sunday the guests left and we were left with a destroyed house to clean up. We finished a went to Taco Bell, then I read book 7 of Harry Potter. Again. Time.Well.Spent.
So that's all for now. I'll try to update again real soon!
Wednesday, October 6, 2010
Moral Dilemma's are my favorite kind......
Every year the OFJ plans and hosts the Summit on Human Dignity for its students. The summit is two weeks of speakers, workshops, activities, masses and service opportunities. This year the topic of the summit is food, I have the honor of being the faculty advisor for the student executive committee, eight boys, sophomores through seniors, who work in planning this summit which in the past has received national recognition.
Today I attended my first adult committee meeting. The committee had met a few times before and since this was my first meeting, and first summit, I was utterly confused. The talk was quickly directed to the verbiage of our mission statement, and what key area’s we wished to address during the summit.
Some of the topics we began discussing at the meeting made start thinking about food again as a justice issue. Many of us never realize how the food we eat gets to our table. We have no idea where it came from, the type of labor that was used in cultivation, processing or packaging, what was added in during those processed and how much of a carbon foot print it left on the earth as it journeyed to our local supermarket and table.
We never take the time to consider why the things that are always on sale are sometimes the things that are least healthy for us. Or in general things that are healthy cost more. Thus dooming those who don’t have an appropriate sustainable income or forced to buy and consume food that will result in long term health risks that they probably will not have the funds to receive medical attention for.
Many people (Myself included most of the time) choose not to think about these issues, because it’s easier. It frees us from the guilt of realizing that people, animals, and the environment are abused and exploited because of the food we consume. I can guarantee the dinner I eat tonight will exhibit all of the before mentioned forms of exploitation. Despite the exploitation that I am well aware of concerning my meal, I should be thankful that I even have this meal to eat all. The workers in all fields especially those who might be undocumented or those who reside in other countries might not be so lucky. They survive on much much less than many of us do on a daily basis.
So than, what is my solution. Should I hunger strike in solidary with those who have no food, protest against the unfair exploitation of workers and the environment, advocate for worker’s rights, or is just realizing the injustice and educating others about it enough?
I don’t know what to do about this moral dilemma, however, I know that tonight, sitting around the table for dinner, I will thinking about a lot more than good it tastes, and hopefully the summit (which incidentally occurs during rice week, hello challenge part II) will help me to answer some of those moral questions surrounding the justice of food.
Today I attended my first adult committee meeting. The committee had met a few times before and since this was my first meeting, and first summit, I was utterly confused. The talk was quickly directed to the verbiage of our mission statement, and what key area’s we wished to address during the summit.
Some of the topics we began discussing at the meeting made start thinking about food again as a justice issue. Many of us never realize how the food we eat gets to our table. We have no idea where it came from, the type of labor that was used in cultivation, processing or packaging, what was added in during those processed and how much of a carbon foot print it left on the earth as it journeyed to our local supermarket and table.
We never take the time to consider why the things that are always on sale are sometimes the things that are least healthy for us. Or in general things that are healthy cost more. Thus dooming those who don’t have an appropriate sustainable income or forced to buy and consume food that will result in long term health risks that they probably will not have the funds to receive medical attention for.
Many people (Myself included most of the time) choose not to think about these issues, because it’s easier. It frees us from the guilt of realizing that people, animals, and the environment are abused and exploited because of the food we consume. I can guarantee the dinner I eat tonight will exhibit all of the before mentioned forms of exploitation. Despite the exploitation that I am well aware of concerning my meal, I should be thankful that I even have this meal to eat all. The workers in all fields especially those who might be undocumented or those who reside in other countries might not be so lucky. They survive on much much less than many of us do on a daily basis.
So than, what is my solution. Should I hunger strike in solidary with those who have no food, protest against the unfair exploitation of workers and the environment, advocate for worker’s rights, or is just realizing the injustice and educating others about it enough?
I don’t know what to do about this moral dilemma, however, I know that tonight, sitting around the table for dinner, I will thinking about a lot more than good it tastes, and hopefully the summit (which incidentally occurs during rice week, hello challenge part II) will help me to answer some of those moral questions surrounding the justice of food.
Thursday, September 30, 2010
Tomorrow is October and its still 107
I know I might sound like a broken record, but daily JVC reminds me of how grateful I am for things in my life. As much as I may whine, cry and complain about things I miss about life pre-Phoenix, it also makes me feel all warm and fuzzy inside as I realize that I am happy that I have things to miss.
As October begins and I think about Fall on the East Coast. I remeber certain sights and smells, that are not available to me in Phoenix. There are no leaves changing color, no smells of crackling bonfires, and certainly no fall fests with my besties. Here I am longing for the things that I would have complained about before. Why is it cold already? Snow? Tomorrow? Really? It's October 7th! You must be kidding me!
Now fall is resonating some sense of longing for cuddling outside in a hoodie, or jumping in a huge pile of leaves,looking up at the sky and seeing "those clouds", you know the ones that tell you it is going to be cold and snow, not rain, Even having to plan a Holloween costume around the idea that it could potentionally be below freezing as soon as the sun goes down, which becuase of day-light savings is about 5pm.
But all this that I have just mentioned results in some sort of strange satifaction. Yes, I miss home, but I have fond memories and a home to miss, and I know that as much as I miss home, my home misses me equally as much.
When I started JVC, I didn't really get the whole "ruined for life" thing. I wasn't sure how exactly that would happen, or even if it would actually happen. When I left Chicago, I was equally confused. I knew that I had changed, but I couldn't pinpoint it in anyway. But over the past couple of weeks in Phoenix I'm starting to realize a little bit about what this JVC thing might be all about. It has helped me change the way I look at my life, I can't accept things with out thinking about them and questioning the heck out of it (Thanks Mateo, I never though I would say this, but I miss your insane questions and discussions), I can't help but be grateful for my blessings, and i've also grown quite fond of Ignation spirituality, which definately had helped me to be more intune with God.
Having Jake here this weekend was awesome, we had fun, chatted alot, and were able to reminsce a lot about old times. Just as being away from home has helped me realize things, so has being away from Chi-town. It's no secret that at times living with my community in Chicago was a challenging expereince and towards the end I was definately ready to peace out. Talking to Jake really helped to sort out a lot of stuff and I wouldn't change that expereince now for the world. I didn't realize how much each and everyone of them impacted my life until I nearly two months after the fact. I didn't realize what my work had done for my passion for living life each moment and not get bogged down by little things.
Now as I'm approaching the two month mark in Phoenix, I can't help but get excited about this experience. My job, my housemates, my city.....I have so much to learn from each person that I interact with. I know that this year is not going to be easy. It's gonna be hard work, but through each challenge there is an experience that will add to the "ruining" that has already taken effect.
So am I glad to miss home, Chi-town, the People I love, and the Challenge of Community Life?
You Betcha!!!!!!!!
As October begins and I think about Fall on the East Coast. I remeber certain sights and smells, that are not available to me in Phoenix. There are no leaves changing color, no smells of crackling bonfires, and certainly no fall fests with my besties. Here I am longing for the things that I would have complained about before. Why is it cold already? Snow? Tomorrow? Really? It's October 7th! You must be kidding me!
Now fall is resonating some sense of longing for cuddling outside in a hoodie, or jumping in a huge pile of leaves,looking up at the sky and seeing "those clouds", you know the ones that tell you it is going to be cold and snow, not rain, Even having to plan a Holloween costume around the idea that it could potentionally be below freezing as soon as the sun goes down, which becuase of day-light savings is about 5pm.
But all this that I have just mentioned results in some sort of strange satifaction. Yes, I miss home, but I have fond memories and a home to miss, and I know that as much as I miss home, my home misses me equally as much.
When I started JVC, I didn't really get the whole "ruined for life" thing. I wasn't sure how exactly that would happen, or even if it would actually happen. When I left Chicago, I was equally confused. I knew that I had changed, but I couldn't pinpoint it in anyway. But over the past couple of weeks in Phoenix I'm starting to realize a little bit about what this JVC thing might be all about. It has helped me change the way I look at my life, I can't accept things with out thinking about them and questioning the heck out of it (Thanks Mateo, I never though I would say this, but I miss your insane questions and discussions), I can't help but be grateful for my blessings, and i've also grown quite fond of Ignation spirituality, which definately had helped me to be more intune with God.
Having Jake here this weekend was awesome, we had fun, chatted alot, and were able to reminsce a lot about old times. Just as being away from home has helped me realize things, so has being away from Chi-town. It's no secret that at times living with my community in Chicago was a challenging expereince and towards the end I was definately ready to peace out. Talking to Jake really helped to sort out a lot of stuff and I wouldn't change that expereince now for the world. I didn't realize how much each and everyone of them impacted my life until I nearly two months after the fact. I didn't realize what my work had done for my passion for living life each moment and not get bogged down by little things.
Now as I'm approaching the two month mark in Phoenix, I can't help but get excited about this experience. My job, my housemates, my city.....I have so much to learn from each person that I interact with. I know that this year is not going to be easy. It's gonna be hard work, but through each challenge there is an experience that will add to the "ruining" that has already taken effect.
So am I glad to miss home, Chi-town, the People I love, and the Challenge of Community Life?
You Betcha!!!!!!!!
Friday, September 24, 2010
I've Come to Realize
1. I've come to realize that things...Happen for a reason and we should be grateful for everything we have in life, becuase it can be lost in a second.
2. I've come to realize that my friends...Are my life. I could not have done half of what I did without them, they made me the person I am today, and I thank the Lord for the people who have found me, everyday.
3. I've come to realize that when I'm driving...I love to listen to music, and sing. I also have conversations with myself, sometimes in french.
4. I've come to realize that I need...to not worry so much about pleasing others and just be myself.
5. I've come to realize that the person you may have....taken for granted might not know how much they really mean to you.
6. I've come to realize that life....is what you make of it. You only get out what you have put in.
7. I've come to realize that procrastination...is laziness in disguise.
8. I've come to realize that money...really does make the world go round, but definatly doesn't grow on trees.
9. I've come to realize that certain people...make life worth living.
10. I've come to learn that I'll always...care about people way to much and be way too emotional.
11. I've come to realize that my sibling(s)...don't have to share my blood and DNA.
12. I've come to learn that my mom...is more then a mother, she is a friend.
13. I've come to learn that my cell phone...is nice to turn off once in a while.
14. I've come to realize that when I woke up this morning...God gave me the opportunity to see the Sun for one more day.
15. I've come to realize that last night before i went to bed...That I need to go with the flow and not over think things
16. I've come to realize that right now i am thinking...I really do miss my family and friends.
17. I've come to realize that my dad...is a great role model and influence in my life.
18. I've come to realize that when i get on Facebook...That I have way to many "friends" who I never talk to.
19. I've come to realize that today...is the day to make things happen.
20. I've come to realize that tonite...'s the night, let's love it up.
21. I've come to realize that tomorrow....I can sleep past 6.
22. I've come to realize that I really want...my family and friends to be happy.
23. I've come to realize that the person most likely to read this....Is really important to me.
24. I've come to realize that life...is worth it.
25. I've come to realize that this weekend...will go to fast.
26. I've come to realize that the best music to listen to when I'm upset is...music that brings out the tears. I just need to get it out.
27. I've come to realize that my friends....are people I can not possibly ever live without.
28. I've come to realize that this year...has challenged me more then anything I have ever done in my life and made me appriciate people and things I have taken advantage of before.
29. I've come to realize that people....do crazy things when they are in Love.
30. I've come to realize that maybe I should...think things through a little better.
31. I've come to realize that I love...my life, I couldn't ask for anything more.
32. I've come to realize that I don't understand...how some people have no passion or desire for life.
33. I've come to realize my past...is my past for a reason.
34. I've come to realize that parties...are over-rated.
35. I've come to realize that I...am stronger then I thought.
36. I've come to realize that my life...should be lived for others.
37. I’ve come to realize that my favorite comfort food is...pizza
38. I’ve come to realize I’ll never like...to do laundry
39. I’ve come to realize my favorite moment in life so far is...coming home to hug and love after being away for so long.
40. I’ve come to realize...that God is in control and I'm just along for the ride.
2. I've come to realize that my friends...Are my life. I could not have done half of what I did without them, they made me the person I am today, and I thank the Lord for the people who have found me, everyday.
3. I've come to realize that when I'm driving...I love to listen to music, and sing. I also have conversations with myself, sometimes in french.
4. I've come to realize that I need...to not worry so much about pleasing others and just be myself.
5. I've come to realize that the person you may have....taken for granted might not know how much they really mean to you.
6. I've come to realize that life....is what you make of it. You only get out what you have put in.
7. I've come to realize that procrastination...is laziness in disguise.
8. I've come to realize that money...really does make the world go round, but definatly doesn't grow on trees.
9. I've come to realize that certain people...make life worth living.
10. I've come to learn that I'll always...care about people way to much and be way too emotional.
11. I've come to realize that my sibling(s)...don't have to share my blood and DNA.
12. I've come to learn that my mom...is more then a mother, she is a friend.
13. I've come to learn that my cell phone...is nice to turn off once in a while.
14. I've come to realize that when I woke up this morning...God gave me the opportunity to see the Sun for one more day.
15. I've come to realize that last night before i went to bed...That I need to go with the flow and not over think things
16. I've come to realize that right now i am thinking...I really do miss my family and friends.
17. I've come to realize that my dad...is a great role model and influence in my life.
18. I've come to realize that when i get on Facebook...That I have way to many "friends" who I never talk to.
19. I've come to realize that today...is the day to make things happen.
20. I've come to realize that tonite...'s the night, let's love it up.
21. I've come to realize that tomorrow....I can sleep past 6.
22. I've come to realize that I really want...my family and friends to be happy.
23. I've come to realize that the person most likely to read this....Is really important to me.
24. I've come to realize that life...is worth it.
25. I've come to realize that this weekend...will go to fast.
26. I've come to realize that the best music to listen to when I'm upset is...music that brings out the tears. I just need to get it out.
27. I've come to realize that my friends....are people I can not possibly ever live without.
28. I've come to realize that this year...has challenged me more then anything I have ever done in my life and made me appriciate people and things I have taken advantage of before.
29. I've come to realize that people....do crazy things when they are in Love.
30. I've come to realize that maybe I should...think things through a little better.
31. I've come to realize that I love...my life, I couldn't ask for anything more.
32. I've come to realize that I don't understand...how some people have no passion or desire for life.
33. I've come to realize my past...is my past for a reason.
34. I've come to realize that parties...are over-rated.
35. I've come to realize that I...am stronger then I thought.
36. I've come to realize that my life...should be lived for others.
37. I’ve come to realize that my favorite comfort food is...pizza
38. I’ve come to realize I’ll never like...to do laundry
39. I’ve come to realize my favorite moment in life so far is...coming home to hug and love after being away for so long.
40. I’ve come to realize...that God is in control and I'm just along for the ride.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)